How Much Do I Need To Retire
This is the classic “number” question. The answer depends on spending, taxes, withdrawal strategy, and how long the portfolio must last. The Architect frames that number as a target portfolio at retirement tied to your inputs — not a universal rule printed on a blog.
Quick answer
Enter spending, retirement age, return and inflation assumptions, and any income bridges. The tool computes portfolio need implied by those choices and compares it to your projected balance.
For a related estimate, see Early Retirement Calculator.
Explore further: Fire Calculator · How Long Will My Money Last
How to use this calculator
- Define spending in today’s dollars: Then let inflation carry it forward consistently.
- Anchor ages and horizon: Current age, retirement age, and how long the portfolio must fund spending drive every output.
- Separate real from nominal: Inflation pairs with spending growth; real return pairs with long-run sustainability.
- Use Advanced mode when taxes differ by account: Roth, traditional, and taxable buckets change spendable cash even when totals look equal.
Why the “number” moves
Withdrawal rate choice, longevity, healthcare spend, and tax treatment shift the target. A single static multiplier cannot capture your situation.
Explore further: Retirement At 40 · Retirement At 50
Target vs projected
Portfolio needed is the target; projected balance is the path. The gap drives savings and timeline decisions.
Real-world example
- Example: spending cut vs work one more year: The tradeoff explorer and scenario rows show which change closes the gap faster for the same inputs (illustrative).
Explore further: Retirement At 60 · Retirement Calculator
Using the number responsibly
Treat it as a planning anchor. Update it when assumptions change — especially healthcare and tax law.
FAQ
Is readiness a guarantee?
No. It is a modeled score from your inputs. Use it to prioritize savings, timeline, and spending tradeoffs.
Should I trust one Monte Carlo run?
Use it as a stress lens. If success is high but fragile to small return cuts, widen your cushion.
Does this replace personalized advice?
No — especially for tax, healthcare, and estate complexity.